She dreamed of being in London, going to parties, drinking champagne by the bucketful and buying lots of new clothes.

Chapter Eleven

The In Depth article had helped give Sophie her privacy back but Jez’s preparations for moving in next door drew the media’s attention back to her.

She watched what was going on sometimes from her bedroom window, a little ashamed of herself for using a pair of binoculars to get a better view but unable to resist. She was amazed by the speed with which things moved and by the number of uniformed security men keeping an eye on operations. That brought home to her how seriously Kevin took the threat to his employer’s life.

Jez phoned her every lunchtime and evening, and though they talked of meeting again, he said Kevin had advised him not to do anything to increase the press’s interest in her.

‘It’ll only be another day or two before we move in.’ Jez’s voice was like dark velvet, beautiful when he spoke as well as when he sang. ‘Then we’ll be able to use the gate without anyone seeing us.’

‘Good. I’ll make you a welcome-to-the-house cake and come for a guided tour.’

‘A chocolate cake? That’s my favourite so far.’

She laughed. ‘All right, you’re on.’

‘How’s the story going?’

‘Really well.’

‘Tell me what it’s about.’

‘If you don’t mind, I won’t. I’m a bit superstitious about revealing my stories to anyone before they’re complete. How’s the new song going?’

‘As well as can be expected when I’m not able to lock myself away in my studio and play it properly.’

‘It must be very frustrating.’

‘Tell me about it. Look, I have a message from Kevin: you might try going to the shops tomorrow, to see if they leave you in peace. He thinks they will. But keep a careful watch behind you and note who parks nearby or follows you anywhere. Get the number of the car if you can.’

‘I’ll do that.’

The following day she made a quick trip down to the local shops. She did wonder whether a car was following her, and it parked nearby in the shoppers’ car park, but whoever was inside it didn’t follow or pester her. Since its windows were heavily tinted she couldn’t see the driver. She took note of the number on principle.

She wondered if Talbin was simply biding his time, if he guessed about her and Jez or knew about the new gate between the two properties. The security system would show if anyone even tried to open that gate.

Could she be happy with such a watchful, limited life? She didn’t know. But she wanted to be with Jez, get to know him better, see if they worked as a couple. She was missing being with him, even though she’d only seen him a few times. Talking on the phone wasn’t the same, though she did enjoy their daily conversations.

How quickly her need for him had grown!